In addition to the material here, there are special sections for parents and catechists.
“Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), 1422)
It is called the sacrament of Penance, since it consecrates the Christian sinner’s personal and ecclesial steps of conversion, penance, and satisfaction. (CCC, 1423)
It is called the sacrament of confession, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. (CCC, 1424)
It is called the sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles: “Be reconciled to God.” (CCC, 1424)
Table of Contents
What does this sacrament do?
From the USCCB: “Not only does it [the Sacrament of Penance] free us from our sins but it also challenges us to have the same kind of compassion and forgiveness for those who sin against us. We are liberated to be forgivers. We obtain new insight into the words of the Prayer of St. Francis: “It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.”
Jesus entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to the Church. The Sacrament of Penance is God’s gift to us so that any sin committed after Baptism can be forgiven. In confession we have the opportunity to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. It is a holy moment in which we place ourselves in his presence and honestly acknowledge our sins, especially mortal sins. With absolution, we are reconciled to God and the Church. The Sacrament helps us stay close to the truth that we cannot live without God. “In him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).”
What is Mend?
Mend is a family-based curriculum facilitated by parents in 7 at-home Family Meetings. These Family Meetings focus on God’s love for us, the origin of sin, and God’s plan of reconciliation. Each Family Meeting includes: a gathering ritual, opening prayer, check-in, experiential activity, teaching, and closing prayer. Each Family Meeting is designed to take 30-40 minutes.
Family Gatherings at St. Bernadette
The gathering ritual invites all family members to come together in a shared space, pray the Our Father together, and concludes with a parent asking God’s blessing for each of the other family members. Rituals are meaningful moments that, when continually shared, help to unite a family. This blessing ritual will help provide a regular rhythm to begin Family Meetings. Each family meeting begins with an opening prayer. As families gather, God fills the space around them and within them. Families will need to have the holy water bottles included in their box filled at-church. You can fill them before distributing the boxes or during the Celebrate Session.
The Check-In
The check-in is meant to get the conversation started between family members. The question is loosely based on the session’s theme and is one that is easy to answer.
The Activity
The activity provided is meant to teach the children through a fun and interactive experience. A teaching is also provided that coincides with the activity. Parents are given the language to teach an essential part of the catechesis related to the theme. Children remember what they “do” and parents remember what they “teach.”
Prayer
To end each Family Meeting, a prayer is included to be read by the child preparing for first Reconciliation.
On the friar, you can listen to our homilies (based on the readings of the day) and reflections. You can also ask us to pray for you or to pray for others. You can subscribe to our website to be informed whenever we publish an update. You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
